In recent weeks, heavy rainfall had many questioning whether or not California's three year drought was finally over. This January, Orange County received more than five inches of rain, in comparison to January 2009, with less than one inch of rain.

Rising numbers like these recent rainfall stats have led many to believe that the State's current water supply challenges are over. But in reality, even with the significant amounts of rainfall we've received, it is still not enough to compensate for the past several dry winters.

And while experts stated that the recent rainfall was a good start to alleviating the drought, bear in mind that there are still significant restrictions on the amount of water that Southern California is allowed to import from the North. In short, we still need to work hard to conserve water.

In Anaheim, our recent conservation efforts have been focused on encouraging customers to reduce their outdoor water use, since outdoor water makes up more than 50% of an average household. And our water conservation efforts have definitely been paying off! From July 2009 to January 2010, we have successfully reduced our water use by 834 million gallons. This means we are well on our way to reach our goal of reducing our water use by 1 billion gallons.

As you read on, you will find more information on our recent outdoor water saving projects, programs, workshops, and tips. Thank you for your dedication in helping us reduce water use. Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Marcie L. Edwards

Anaheim Public Utilities General Manager

Anaheim's Current Water Supply Situation

This water supply gauge shows our current water supply situation is in Moderate Condition; despite the recent rain, we are still faced with the State's water supply challenges along with cutbacks to our local supplies.

Our response level is:Voluntary Conservation

Use less water to protect our supplies - help us move the needle into the green.

What's the Difference?

Native Plants vs. California Friendly Plants

What's the difference between California native plants and California friendly plants? Most people think these two types of plants are exactly the same and often times use these terms interchangeably.

Although both types of plants can help you reduce your outdoor water use, they are vastly different. California's native plants are plants that have been naturally grown in California; therefore they are the easiest to grow in mild winters and hot summers.

These types of plants are not limited to just cacti and succulents; there are lots of vibrant plants to choose from. One of the most popular California native plants is the State flower, the California Poppy.

Similar to native plants, California friendly plants come in variety of colorful selections, with thousands to choose from. And many California friendly plants are also fire resistant, most popular is the Sage.

To views an extensive list of California native plants and California friendlyplants visitwww.bewaterwise.com.

Learn How to Save Water Outdoors!Anaheim will help make your garden awater-saving sanctuary.

Anaheim Public Utilities is partnering with the Municipal Water District of Orange County to offer California Friendly Landscape Workshops in the upcoming months.

Participants will learn how to keep their yards looking beautiful, while cutting back their outdoor water use. Experts will teach the participants a variety of water saving techniques in landscape design, plantings, sprinkler systems, watering, and fertilizers.

Class:California-Friendly Landscape WorkshopWhen: April 24th, May 1st, May 8th, and May 15th.

Location: TBD

For more information or to RSVP, please contact our Water Conservation Program Manager, Jarred Ross at (714) 765-4256 or at jross@anaheim.net

Big Returns for Customers Who Conserve Water

A single efficiency investment for a high water user is far more affordable and practical than trying to replicate those savings over thousands of residences.

Consequently, high water users have always been a key contributor to Anaheim's long-term declining water use trend. Just take a look at the following list of customers that have saved millions of gallons and thousands of dollars in operating costs over the last few years:

So, just how did these customers get started on the path of greater water use efficiency and a better bottom line?

Anaheim Public Utilities offers two programs to get efficiency-minded customers started. If you have a business that uses a lot of water we offer the Water Use Survey program. If you are a home owners association or residential customers, we are currently developing a Landscape Water Use Survey Program Specifically for our customers with large landscapes.

Under both programs, we put you in touch with qualified technical consultants who can review water use and then develop water saving recommendations. From there, a utility representative can identify applicable financial incentive programs, that can help bring you water saving plan to reality.

Want to learn more? Contact our Water Conservation Program Manager Jarred Ross at (714) 765-4256 or at jross@anaheim.net.

Spring Into Summer

Receive $250 in rebates for High Efficiency Clothes Washers

Receive "Double the Rebates" from February 1st to June 30th. Install an ENERGY STAR® rated appliances or other qualifying rated appliances and receive double the rebate amount!

Trees/Shrubs:3 days per week2 cycles, 1-2 minutes eachAprilTurf:3 days per week 2 cycles, 3-4 minutes each

Trees/Shrubs:3 days per week2 cycles, 1-2 minutes each

Send a Friendly Reminder

If you spot water waste, please let us know and we'll send a friendly reminder to the residence or business that you think may be the source of the water waste. Call 311 from any Anaheim based landline, (714) 765-4311 from your cell phone, or click here to submit your request.